bgins internship pre-departure workshop
TRANSCRIPT
BGINS Internship
Pre-departure Workshop
Yvonne CollinsCareer Counsellor
Career Services401 Tory Building
613-520-6611
Overview
Differences between university and the workplace
Tips for a successful internship
Scenarios
Keeping track and in touch
Your are starting your internship soon!!!!
What are you excited about?
What are you concerned about?
What are some of the differences between a school environment and work environment?
University vs. Work Environments
UNIVERSITY WORK
Frequent, quick and concrete feedback Infrequent and subjective feedback
Highly structured curriculum and detailed directions
Highly unstructured and tasks may have little direction
Flexible Schedule Structured Schedule
Intellectual Challenge Organizational and people challenges
Choice of performance level (A, B, C) “A” level work always required
Independence of ideas and thinking “Do it the company’s way”
Professor Boss
It’s about you! It’s about the organization!(& your learning outcomes)
Generational Differences
Boomers
(1945-1960)
Generation X
(1961-1980)
Generation Y
(1981-1994)
Generation Z
(1995-?)
Personality Optimistic
Collaborative
Driven
Independent
Self-sufficient
Skeptical
Learner
High Self-esteem
Achievement-
oriented
Tech savy
Less entitled
Resilient
Work Ethic Quality
Team oriented
Work/life balance
Efficient
Desires feedback
Collaborative
Resourceful
Strong work
ethic
Meaningful
work
Communication Telephone
Face to face
Text
Instant Message
Text
Social Media
Text
Feedback &
RewardsMoney
Title
Recognition
Freedom
Time off
Immediate
Feedback
Change
Progress
Tips for a Successful Internship
1. Learn the workplace culture (be an Anthropologist)
2. Be professional and maintain a positive attitude
3. Be an indispensable team player
4. Keep records of accomplishments
Transition to the Workplace
Each organization has it’s own culture - best to proceed slowly while learning the ropes
Be an Anthropologist
Observe and listen (observe a successful team member)
Ask questions
Meet colleagues
Be adaptable
Get comfortable with your surroundings
Anthropological Survey of your new environment
What kinds of things could you find out about?
Office/organizational rules and norms
Professional behavior/expectations
What makes a good team player?
Scenario #1
Your internship supervisor instructed you that yourworkday that your workday is 8-4, 5 days a week inthe office. You quickly notice that the otheremployees in the office have flexible start times andseem to roll in well after 8. Many of them only needto come in to the office 3 days a week because theywork from home or are attending meetings at otherlocations. This seems unfair and you feel upsetabout it.
How do you handle this?
A few points
There may be different rules applied to you because you are not a permanent staff member.
There may be specific reasons why your supervisor needs you to be at work during the allotted times.
If there are specific days that you need to alter your start and end time (i.e. medical appointments) let your supervisor know as soon as possible and offer to make up missed time.
What does Professionalism look like to you?
Be Professional
Punctuality (expectations can vary slightly)
Appearance
Preparation and Organization
Following policies and procedures
Professional Communication
Maintain personal and professional boundaries
Emotional/behavioural self-regulation
Learn from feedback and/or mistakes
Scenario #2
You hand in a research report that you were asked to compile as part of your internship. You spent a number of hours working on it and even stayed up most of the night finishing last minute edits.
A few days later your supervisor calls you in to her office and hands back the report. You noticed that there are a number of revisions and some pages have even been completely removed. You feel upset about this because you have always received very high marks in your essays at school.
How do you handle this?
A few points
Listen calmly and actively while feedback is given to better understand their perspective.
Ask for clarification if you do not fully understand as well as tips for improvement.
Take responsibility for your performance and take necessary steps to rectify errors- ask for help if you need assistance.
Remember- you will make mistakes (that’s okay)! Feedback and constructive criticism is integral to learning and growth
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!!!!
You are responsible for your success during your
internship.
Make a great impression by:
Putting in extra effort (volunteer?)
Asking questions
Following through on commitments (includes attendance)
Being willing to take on “less glamourous” tasks
Being receptive to feedback
I’m Bored!
What can you do when you have nothing to do!?!?!
Scenario #3
It is the second week of your internship and you feel asthough you have a really great understanding of yourorganization and your role. You have been asked tohelp with filing, basic internet research and editing theorganization’s website.
You begin to feel as though your skills and abilities arebeing wasted because you know that you are capable ofdoing much more complex tasks.
How do you handle this?
A few points
Set realistic expectations for your internship.
Be willing to take on less-interesting/glamorous duties to prove your skills and capabilities.
Your level of responsibility may increase over time as trust is developed.
Track your progress and keep in touch
Take notes about:
What did – learning outcomes
How you contributed
Your successes and key learnings
Problems you solved
Accomplishments
Keep in touch with your colleagues
Few resources for your first day
http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2014/12/22/how-to-calm-your-first-day-jitters/
http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2010/06/24/i%E2%80%99m-nervous-about-my-first-day-at-my-first-%E2%80%9Creal%E2%80%9D-job-help/
